Our meeting may have taken place on the day that the Punxsutawney Phil brought us news of 6 more weeks of winter and Bill Murray may be a tad loopy, but we have President Don to keep us on track and not hiding out in a hole. We may not have had the usual audio equipment but that doesn’t affect Don, who got us going on time and doing fine and welcomed 43 members and 1 guest at the Clarion Hotel. Despite it being Ground Hog Day, it seemed like Patriots Day with all the New England Patriots swag being worn. 
Of course we had our own Tom Brady, number 12 (Matt Wolcott and Terri St Angelo at right), in the house bringing good vibes and a terrific game prediction from the tamer of Thailand, Ben Lowry, who predicted the Pats to win 27-17. 
Getting us used to change we started with a moment of inspiration in deference to the invocation with Kathy Grammer (at left) offering a meditation penned by “the other” Thomas Moore. That was followed by a masterful a cappella rendition of “America,” led by Past President Russ Burleigh.
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Once again out Dynamic Duo of Charlie Frair (at right) and Paul Tully, are orchestrating a reprise of our annual event honoring of those in the military who preserve and protect our great nation’s freedoms. Every year the Rotary team takes advantage of experience and brings us to new heights. We have hardly started and already we are taking $3000 from last years success and donating $1000 to VAST and will give two similar sums to veteran organizations identified by the club members. If you have a suggestion, please make it known to Charlie or Paul utilizing the form they are preparing. Stay tuned and get your list of vets you want to invite and recognize for their service.
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Drs. Roger (at left) and Liz Fagan just got back from another successful trip to the Dominican Republic (DR) to help the indentured servants of the cane fields who live in squalor in the horrid work camps. As is the custom, Roger and Liz tended to the hearing and speech needs of the poverty stricken of the batae. At the same time 1st Vice President John Curran was fitting injured workers with prosthetic arms and Dick Giles was tending to water needs and solar lights. John and Dick remained in La Romana providing additional assistance. The work this group has done for close to a couple of decades is the epitome of the “Service Above Self” creed of Rotary.
Consistent with our tradition, we recognized our members who celebrate another year in February. The particularly noteworthy accomplishment is that Past President Paul T. Gore is marking off year number 32 as a member of our club. Thanks for your service and generosity, Paul!
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The indomitable Past President Loretta Rowe remains an in patient at Maine Medical Center, as the doctors work to find the best medicine to get this special lady back to the club and friends she loves. She is not up for visitors but would enjoy getting emails and cards to help keep her spirits high. She may not be able to make the meetings but she remains involved and had her PC brought in so she could keep up with Rotary. (Update: Loretta is home from the hospital, but quarantined due to her sensitive condition. Heal quickly and well.)
Hopefully you have seen the report from Don and the committee dealing with some modifications to our customs, e.g. song and invocation. The group has provided Don with some ways to maintain the essence of our past practice and change is afoot. However, we are a proud democracy and President Don wants to hear what you think before we institute the changes.